Last week in our huddles, we talked Self Care because we believe there's more to life than weight loss! Let's start the blog by asking yourself "What is ‘self-care’?"
What does self-care mean for you?
How do you currently take care of yourself?
It’s activities and practices we engage in on a regular basis to reduce stress and enhance our well-being.
Self care isn't about adding more to your ‘to do’ list – more about identifying your essential needs and then prioritising them.
It’s not about creating an ‘emergency response plan’ when stress becomes overwhelming and you’re close to burnout – it’s about creating behaviours or healthy habits that you can do to nurture yourself.
Oh and it’s NOT about being selfish – it’s about looking after yourself, so you can then give your best and provide value to the world by living your purpose and sharing your gifts.
There
are believe it or not 8 areas of self-care;
Physical self-care which involves movement of the body, health, nutrition, sleep, rest, physical touch and sexual needs. Things such as going for a walk, having a bath, getting enough sleep, eating nourishing foods.
2) Psychological self-care which involves
learning new things, applying consequential thinking, engaging intrinsic
motivation, practising mindfulness and creativity, some examples include,
journaling, reading a book, learning a new skill or doing a digital detox.
3) Emotional self-care involves enhancing
emotional literacy, navigating emotions, increasing empathy, managing stress
effectively and developing compassion for yourself as well as others. Some examples including writing in a
gratitude journal, learning to say no, making time to reflect on feelings,
practising self-compassion and being aware of your own boundaries.
4) Social self-care involves having a
supportive group and network of relationships around you whom you trust and
turn to when required. Having caring and
supportive people around you builds a sense of belonging and
connectedness. Some examples of social
self-care include – belonging to groups or communities outside work, honouring
your commitments to other people i.e. doing what you say you’re going to
do. Asking for help when you need
it. Meeting new people and going walking
with family and/or friends.
5) Professional self-care involves
sharing your strengths and gifts, having clear professional boundaries whilst
living your purpose. Some examples
include eating a nourishing lunch each day at work. Negotiating your needs and knowing your roles
and responsibilities.
6) Environmental self-care involves having an organised well maintained and clutter-free work, business and home environment, having clean clothes and a clean and well-maintained mode of transport. Also minimising waste and monitoring technology time. Examples include decluttering your home or work environment. Recycling as much as possible, monitoring technology time, cleaning up after a meal.
7) Spiritual self-care involves the
beliefs and values that are important to you and guide your life. This includes pursuing your noble goals and
the practices that support you developing spiritual awareness. Some examples include meditating, reflecting
in a journal, volunteering, going to a retreat and walking in nature.
8) Financial self-care involves being responsible with your finances (i.e. living expenses, income, insurances, savings etc) and having a conscious relationship with money, some examples include knowing where your income is coming in, knowing where your expenses are due and paying them on time. Keeping your insurances up to date, completing any tax responsibilities on time and spending and saving money wisely.
All quite deep and full on but just stop for a moment and did you think of any of those 8 points, I’m guessing yes to the first couple maybe. What self-care practice or 2 can you start to incorporate into your life today?
Self-care
is a personal journey and every day life is changing, so it’s important to
continually look after yourself, make it a habit to reflect on your health and
wellbeing.
Would looking at the other areas of self-care might help their weight loss journey? How?
Shall we give it a go? Here's to a great day,
Mwah, luv ya
Love me xx
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